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Total number of posts: 23655
July 5, 2021
We're celebrating the holiday with stories about how to enjoy the great outdoors as sustainably as possible and why you should mulch your lawn. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the Read More...
MIT scientists recycle plastic bags to develop a new sustainable fabric
Plastic grocery bags are one of the most pernicious types of plastic waste. Now, scientists say they have developed a technique that could recycle plastic bags into the fabrics of the future. MIT researchers have come up with a method that can transform polyethylene into lightweight fabrics that Read More...
After 45 years of conservation, Odisha welcomes natural gharial hatchlings
Most of us are likely familiar with crocodiles and alligators, but these creatures also have a lesser-known relative: the gharial. Unfortunately, the gharial has been on the verge of extinction for generations. Not only are gharial populations under threat from habitat encroachment and fishing, but Read More...
US will offer non-binary gender option for passports
Pride Month has come to a close, but the US State Department created a policy for greater equality in June’s final days, announcing that US citizens will soon be able to choose a third gender option on federal passports. Citizens will also be allowed to, for the first time, select their own Read More...
CRISPR technology shows promise in treating rare genetic disease
CRISPR technology has been used to successfully treat sickle cell disease, and now, the CRISPR gene-editing tool has been shown to work safely and effectively when used inside the patient’s body, or 'in vivo,' for the first time. CRISPR conducts cut-and-paste edits to the genome inside cells, Read More...
Artificial intelligence and nanotechnology may help solve world hunger
According to the United Nations, about 840 million people will experience hunger by 2030. This growing global challenge to feed people will only be exacerbated by climate change, increasing populations, and degrading soil quality. Some researchers, however, claim that artificial intelligence and Read More...
This brain implant will stop migraine pain in its tracks
Nothing stops you from having a productive day like a head-splitting migraine—but luckily, researchers at New York University (NYU) are working on a brain implant that will stop a migraine in its tracks before you even feel it. The implant has only been tested on rats, but the results are Read More...
130 countries declare support for global minimum corporate tax rate
As global wealth inequality becomes more severe, a growing number of countries are turning to corporate tax enforcement to help close this gap. G7 finance ministers recently proposed their own tax accord to prevent tax evasion, and now, 130 countries have agreed to back a global minimum corporate Read More...
Study: Drinking coffee may have benefits for your liver
It turns out that a morning cup of coffee can do more than just wake you up for work. A reputable study has found that drinking coffee of any kind lowers the risk of multiple types of liver disease and liver cancer. The study applies to ground, instant, caffeinated, and non-caffeinated Read More...
Why you should leave those lawn clippings right where they are
Many eco-conscious homeowners are opting to replace their lawns with native plants and drought-resistant landscaping, but if you’re not ready to give up your lawn or you own a grassy space for sports or other utility purposes, mulching can help make this space as green as possible (literally and Read More...